A state-of-the-art degree in research

Since 2000, the International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) have become a permanent part of our efforts to promote Ph.D. students. Talented German and foreign junior scientists are offered the opportunity to earn a doctorate under excellent research conditions. A shared characteristics of the graduate programmes at Max Planck Institutes is a close colloboration with universities.

Currently, there are 66 IMPRS; approximately 45 percent in the Chemistry, Physics and Technology Section, 30 percent in the Biology and Medicine Section, and the remainder in the Human and Social Sciences Section. The research schools are established by one or several Max Planck Institutes. However, these IMPRS work in close cooperation with universities and other – sometimes foreign – research institutions. This provides an extraordinary framework for the graduate students to work in, and is a great advantage in interdisciplinary research projects, or in projects that require special equipment. Currently, 70 Max Planck Institutes are associated with an IMPRS.

Innovative training programmes

In general, about half of the junior researchers who receive their training at an IMPRS are from Germany and the other half from around the world. The principal component of the 3-year study programme is the doctoral thesis representing a major piece of independent research, mainly in an interdisciplinary topic. Doctoral students also benefit from regular workshops, which facilitate exchange of information and provide students with the opportunity to see their research topic from different perspectives. The right to confer degrees remains with the respective university. However, supervising tutors at both the universities and the Max Planck Institutes look after the students, instruct them and test them.

Applications are welcome!

Students interested in joining the doctoral programme at an International Max Planck Research School should decide which IMPRS would be relevant for them in terms of its scientific focus and directly contact the relevant School's coordinator for more details.

An overview of all IMPRS